My name is Steph, and there are three things in life that I am very passionate about: books, movies, and music.
My love of books began at a very young age
I’ve been an avid reader since I learned to read. I remember the very first “novel” I 
ever read. It was a story about Arthur (you know, everyone’s favourite childhood aardvark!). I remember it very clearly. Until that point I’d been reading only picture books with single sentences only. My mom was sitting with me in my room and I can’t remember exactly how it went down, but I remember the moment of clarity like it was yesterday. Things just clicked and even at that tender, young age, I began to stay up all night, finishing these beginner novels in a single night.
For a while all I read were these Arthur books, and Saddle Club novels, but it wasn’t too long before I was getting into the world of YA.
I began reading Young Adult novels waaaay before any of my friends did. I remember my parents used to not only compliment and nurture my advanced reading level – but they would brag about it! They loved to tell their friends and our extended family what I was reading, because they were always impressed.
It wasn’t long after this that I narrowed things down even further and realized that I had an incredible amount of love for all things horror, fantasy, and mystery. To this day, it’s novels in these genres that I seek.
That’s not to say I don’t like other genres. I’ve read some very touching drama’s and some hilarious comedy books, but these are more of a once-in-a-while or recommended-by-a-friend situation.
Music Was My Best Friend
As a kid I was a tragic combination of shy, awkward, and stutter. I was very socially inept and people made me nervous. I believe this is why I latched on to music so easily and quickly. I found Green Day when I was 10, and even though I didn’t understand a lot of what they were singing about, they made me feel better and the punk-rock style of their music made me happy.
When I was 12, I found a band called Senses Fail. While far from the heaviest music around, this was where my love of heavy metal began. Over the next few years I would find many new bands and go to a LOT of concerts (usually by myself, God bless my parents for all the drives they made into Toronto on school nights) and my love for all things punk, rock, alternative and metal would stick with me.
Music has a way of not only bringing up associated memories but also eliciting very powerful emotions. It is my goal to share these emotions and help others to realize how wonderful and meaningful the music I love can be.
Movies Are My Escape
While the same can be said for both books and music, I just love the way a good movie transports you to a whole new world. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve walked away from a movie with a whole new perspective on something – life, love, growing up, whatever.
Another thing I’ve always been good at is finding the silver lining in a movie that most would consider “bad.” Where one thing may be lacking (acting, character depth, plot development) a movie very rarely has NOTHING good about it. I mean, SOMEONE spent money to make it, even if it wasn’t millions. It’s worth something to someone, and there’s almost always something you can take away from a movie, even if it’s small.
I say almost always because I can’t go so far as to say that every single movie has a silver lining – there ARE movies out there that are truly bad and shouldn’t have been made. What I’m saying is that I personally think there are far less of them than most people think.
My Goal
In all my years of loving these three forms of art and creation, I’ve stumbled upon a very large number of books, movies, and songs/albums/artists that I think are FAR too underrated, and need more attention.
It is my goal here at underrateyourself-temp.siterubix.com to bring attention to these things. I want everyone to immerse themselves in the underground – to underrate themselves!
If you have read a book, seen a movie, know of a song/album/artist that you think is too underrated, let me know! Or maybe you are ARE an artist, or an author, or you’ve directed your own movie and/or short film? I’d love to feature your work! Don’t be afraid to contact me at Steph@underrateyourself-temp.siterubix.com